Holiday lighting is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home's curb appeal during the winter months. But done right, it takes planning. Here's everything you need to know to have a stress-free, beautiful display this holiday season.
Start Planning in September
It sounds early, but the best installation slots fill up fast. September is when we begin booking for the holiday season. By late October, our schedule is typically full. If you want your lights up before Thanksgiving — which most of our customers prefer — contact us in September or early October.
Early planning also gives us time to custom-fit your display to your home's roofline, landscaping, and architecture.
Choosing Your Light Color
We install professional-grade C9 LED bulbs, which are far brighter and more energy-efficient than the bulbs you find at a hardware store. Available colors include:
- Warm White — Classic, traditional look. The most popular choice.
- Pure White — Crisp and modern, looks great against dark siding.
- Red — Bold and festive.
- Green — Rich and traditional, pairs beautifully with warm white.
- Blue — Cool and elegant.
Many of our customers mix warm white on the roofline with colored accents on shrubs and trees for a layered effect.
What's Included in Our Service
When you hire Iowa Lights & Revive for holiday lighting, here's what you get:
Custom Installation
We measure your roofline, eaves, windows, and other features precisely. Every strand is custom cut to fit your home — no sagging, no gaps, no excess cord coiled at the corners.
Professional-Grade Equipment
Our team uses commercial ladders and safety equipment to reach even multi-story rooflines safely. You don't have to risk a fall on an icy December morning.
Maintenance Throughout the Season
Bulbs burn out. Strands occasionally come loose. We include seasonal maintenance visits so your display stays perfect from Thanksgiving through New Year's.
Takedown and Storage
After the holidays, we come back, carefully remove everything, and store your lights properly so they're ready for next year. Your garage stays clutter-free.
Professional vs. DIY: The Real Comparison
| DIY | Iowa Lights & Revive | |
|---|---|---|
| Time spent | 6–10 hours | 0 hours for you |
| Safety risk | High (ladder falls) | None — we're insured |
| Appearance | Uneven, generic | Custom-fit, professional |
| Bulb quality | Consumer-grade | Commercial C9 LED |
| If lights fail | You fix it | We fix it |
| Storage | Takes up garage space | We handle it |
The math is simple: our service costs less than you'd think, and your time is worth more than a Saturday afternoon on a ladder.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the lights be installed? Most installs happen between mid-October and mid-November, depending on when you book. We can often accommodate last-minute requests in early November if slots are available.
Do I need to be home during installation? No. As long as we have access to your property, we can install while you're at work. We'll send you a photo when we're done.
What if it's windy and lights come loose? Give us a call and we'll come out for a maintenance visit. That's included in your service.
Can you do commercial properties? Absolutely. We work with businesses, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout Central Iowa.
Get Your Free Quote
Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. We'll take measurements and show you exactly what your home could look like this holiday season.